Elsie Ann Raine

Elsie Ann “Elise” Raine, born in New Orleans, LA, on February 14, 1933, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at the age of 92. Elise was a life-long resident of New Orleans.

She was the daughter of the late Leroy LaCour and the late Ruth LaCour. Loving wife of the late Stafford J. Raine. Loving mother of Paul Raine (Drew Landis), Barry Raine (Rob Baumgartner), and the late Andrea L. Raine. She was predeceased by her brothers Richard LaCour, Daniel LaCour and by her sister Patsy Bertucci. She is survived by several nieces and nephews.

Although her given name was Elsie, she preferred the sound of Elise. Always open to new ideas and ways of being, shortly after turning 50, she began using the name “Elise” instead.

She was especially fond of young children and animals, especially the numerous dogs & cats she raised and doted on over several decades. She once had an eccentric black cat named Greta, named for the elusive actress, who only made occasional cameos for food and died at the age of 23. 

She was a fierce proponent of environmental protection and was deeply troubled by increasing pollution levels, contaminated land and water, and the destruction of the planet. 

Elise loved anything made of chocolate, her garden, especially the roses and hibiscus, and live theater.

Thanks to her close friend, Felicia, who introduced her to live theater in her 20s, she developed a great love of live theater and attended many local New Orleans productions as well as many Broadway plays. A road trip she took in the mid-1950s to New York City ignited her deep love of that city, to which she returned countless times over the next several decades.

She enjoyed a long life enriched by the presence of many friends. Over the years, she was known for her stellar seafood gumbo, crawfish étouffée, a wicked carrot cake, and legendary Christmas fudge among many other delicacies. Once she started traveling, there was no stopping her. She counted among her favorite places Venice, Italy, Southern California, Vermont, Key West, and southwestern France, which she discovered late in life was the birthplace of her French ancestors.

In her final years, she loved and cherished time with her two sons, some close friends, and especially her devoted caregiver and friend, Hope, who lovingly assisted her and cared for her through the last several years of her life.

Her funeral services are pending. Please check back for more updated information.

Mothe Funeral Home has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements. The family kindly invites you to share thoughts, fondest memories, and condolences online at www.MotheFunerals.com.